Do You Have Midfoot Arthritis?
Midfoot arthritis is a form of arthritis that contributes to pain and swelling in the midfoot. This article will give you a better idea of what midfoot arthritis is and how it can be diagnosed and treated.
What causes midfoot arthritis?
Midfoot arthritis develops when the joints that connect the forefoot to the hindfoot become inflamed. These joints provide stability for the foot and allow for the range of motion needed for walking and normal activity. As a result of arthritis, the cartilage that normally cushions the joint wears down, leaving bone to rub against bone.
There are a variety of causes for midfoot arthritis, including:
- Post-traumatic degeneration: After an injury of the bones or joints that compose the midfoot (including fractures and dislocations), arthritis can develop. This one of the primary causes of midfoot arthritis.
- Osteoarthritis: Normal wear-and-tear on the joints in the midfoot can lead to arthritis.
- Rheumatoid arthritis: Chronic inflammation can attack the joints in the midfoot and then contribute to midfoot arthritis.
Being overweight can often worsen the effects of midfoot arthritis since having extra weight puts more pressure on the joints in the foot.
What are the symptoms of midfoot arthritis?
The hallmark symptom of midfoot arthritis is pain. Most people complain about the pain getting worse when they stand or walk around. Other common symptoms include
- Swelling
- Stiffness (especially in the morning)
- Difficulty walking
- Reduced flexibility and range of motion in the foot
- Cracking noises
- Bony lump on top of foot
Many people put up with painful arthritis symptoms for a long time before they get treated. If you start noticing these symptoms, it may be time to get checked out for midfoot arthritis.
How is midfoot arthritis diagnosed?
To diagnose midfoot arthritis, a doctor will rely on the following methods:
- A physical exam to identify the source and extent of your pain
- An X-ray of the bones in the midfoot to examine the integrity of the joints
- An MRI to examine the midfoot joints
- A CT scan to inspect the bones and joints in the midfoot
How is midfoot arthritis treated?
For milder cases of midfoot arthritis, conservative treatments can often treat it and relieve pain. These can include
- Wearing better fitting shoes or orthotic devices to relieve pressure on the midfoot joints
- Taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory pain relievers
- Modifying your physical activity to avoid excessive pressure
- Physical therapy exercises to stretch and strengthen surrounding muscles
For more severe cases, steroid injections into the joints may be necessary to relieve pain and inflammation.
In other cases, surgery might be necessary. The most common surgery used to treat midfoot arthritis is called midfoot fusion, or arthrodesis. During this procedure, the small joints that compose the midfoot are fused to prevent their normal motion and wear-and-tear. Midfoot fusion can relieve arthritis pain since the bones in the midfoot are no longer rubbing against each other.
Treating midfoot arthritis at Midwest Orthopaedic Consultants
Midfoot arthritis is a painful condition that many people leave untreated each year. At Midwest Orthopaedic Consultants, we understand how frustrating it can be to suffer from arthritis and are ready with some of the most innovative treatments and a team of excellent orthopedic specialists and surgeons to get you back on your feet.
If you are suffering from symptoms of midfoot arthritis, contact us today to book an appointment!
Only a doctor can tell you if you have this ailment. This is for informational purposes and should not be used in lieu of a doctor’s opinion.
